The legislature also
passed a law providing for payment of earnings to the prisoners; but again
they forgot to appropriate funds for such a purpose; and again the prisoners
get nothing, not even a credit memorandum. If this, their just dues, was paid
them, they could send this money to their wives and children who now live
in poverty and misery. Will not some one start the ball rolling
by calling on the governor or on the board, to have this wrong rectified?
I wish to appeal to you who employ labor, and call your attention
to the paroled men. Of these men, ninety out of each hundred make
good; they cannot quit just when they please, but are under the supervision
of the warden and the board. You assume no financial responsibility
when you employ such a man, and you perform indeed a Christian and
charitable act.

Several associations work to better the outgoing men. The Nebraska
Prison Association has its office in the Little Building,

HELL IN NEBRASKA

355

Lincoln. Its members are men of the highest standing.
Its superintendents are Captain Gifford and Rev. Doctor Bullock.
Then there is the Helping Hand Prison Association. Its officers are
James Barrett, President; G. E. Hamlin, Secretary; V. A. Williamson,
Vice-President; and P. R. Burling, Treasurer. Its members are G.
A. Spangler, M. Persley, W. 0. Kester, Sheriff Hyers, John Farrier,
L. L. Burd, J. E. Jewel, W. S. Loftin, A. Rumbaugh, R. Bancroft,
0. Rumbaugh, W. M. Ferrier, R. Opper, A. E. Adams, A. L. Berry, and
William Styne. I know all the officers of these two associations
and I have found them to be men, real men, who are working without
remuneration to aid their fallen brothers. If you, my reader, wish
to contribute a little for the benefit of the outgoing prisoner,
then contribute to either one of these two associations, and shun
all others. Give no aid to the others, although they sail under the
title of "Reverend" or "Doctor" and have the

356

HELL IN NEBRASKA

seal of sanctimonousness
(sic) stamped upon their faces. Some of these latter come along and talk "penitentiary" to
you and make you believe that they are connected with the prison;
but with the exception of "bumming" a few meals, they
have no connection with it whatever. Leave such reptiles alone.

HELL IN NEBRASKA

357

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
WILL GOVERNOR MOREHEAD FEED
THREE SNAKES?

Shortly after the election I had to go to Clay Center on a law
suit. I registered at the Davis hotel. "Well, how is the
pen?" said some of my friends in the lobby. "It is
in good condition," was my answer. "Who is Governor
Morehead going to put in as -------------------? they asked me.
I told them that I did not know, but hoped that the present incumbent
would be reappointed. "Well, he never will, for Morehead
has already appointed Mr. ---------- said a state official who
had just come in to register. "And what office will Mr.
--------- and Mr. ------------ get?" I asked. "Well,
I do not know for certain, but they will get something." "Do
you mean to say that Governor Morehead will feed these snakes?" asked
one of the gentlemen in the lobby. "You just wait and see
for yourselves,',